CD Reviews

NOT the original score

snowleopard | Oregon | 08/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is not the original score used in the film. That score, by Chaz Jankel, is sadly locked in a vault somewhere. And that's too bad, as Jankel's work was beautifully melodic and very befitting of the film. Zimmer's work, apparently once considered for use, was not used. Yet somehow, it was released as "inspired by the film". That said, this work by Zimmer is neither his best, nor his worst. It contains two long pieces, with swelling music of symphonic keyboard work, and Pete Haycock's electric guitar. At times the music is dramatic, and at others, bombastic. Recommended for hard core Zimmer fans only. For those just getting into his work, other scores (The Rock, Black Rain, etc.) are much more worth looking into."

Please note this is not the amazing music used in the film!!

Brandon Cutro | 01/17/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This album is very misleading online and take into account that this is not the same music that the movie K2 offers. It has a brief intro with the same solos but it doesn't even hold a candle to the film. Instead of heart stopping guitar, it's filled with goofy keyboard music that niether flows nor keeps the listeners intrest. It's no wonder that this album wasn't used for the actual film!"

Decent early Zimmer score...

Tom Walker | Oxford, England | 04/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here in England K2 was released with this score instead of the one many other reviewers have raved about. The two tracks are slightly annoying for being so long, especially as there are some clear gaps where a new track mark would have helped. Aside from such petty points, the score is pretty good as a showcase for Zimmer's extraordinary synthesizer music which has become so much more famous in recent years. The thing I liked least about the whole thing was the Pete Haycock electric guitar stuff that feels like a stamp staying "this film was made in the early 90's" whereas the synthesizers alone could work just as well in a film today. The main theme is terrific at bringing across the feel of a huge, awe-inspiring yet dangerous mountain and I felt it fit the film really well, in many cases adding real power to some of the great wide location shots. The music reaches a couple of major climaxes, simliar to Crimson Tide or Backdraft, and you really get that heart-rousing feeling that only Zimmer (or his proteges at Media Ventures) can give. The second of the two is the music that accompanies the wonderful climactic shot where the helicopter hovers up into view right at the end. So those of you out there who can't get your hands on the European version, play track 2 9m 30s over that helicopter shot and you'll get a feel for just how amazing Zimmer's music is for the film.I would agree with a previous reviewer in saying that this is not necessarily suited to Zimmer newcomers but once initiated through the likes of Backdraft / Crimson Tide / The Rock, it's a welcome addition to his repetoire. I give it four stars instead of five, a) because it's too short considering how much more music there was in the film and b) because Mr. Haycock's guitar is just a bit too cheesy for comfort.Other similar scores worth checking out: Broken Arrow, The Peacemaker, 4 tracks from The Lion King, Point of No Return, Speed, Twister, Armageddon, Enemy of the State, Con Air, Deep Blue Sea."

It's oK2 me

Brandon Cutro | Tyler, Texas United States | 11/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The music that Hans Zimmer has come up with for K2 here was not actually used in the film. It should have been because it is good stuff that I think would have sounded good in it. This may very well be the easiest soundtrack I have ever reviewed, considering that the music is split into only 2 cues. "Ascent" is 27 minutes long and much longer than "Descent", which makes sense considering that it takes much longer to climb a mountain than to descend one (especially if you fall off). "Ascent" sounds a lot like Drop Zone and a little like parts of Broken Arrow, both of which Zimmer composed. The music contains electronics, samples, some orchestral instruments, and an electric guitar which is featured prominently in the first track, with some also in the last. The music does not have a major theme to speak of, but it does have some great orchestral passages. These can be found mainly in "Descent" which is the shorter and better of the 2 tracks. Diehard Zimmer fans will definitely enjoy this and I think if you like scores that sound like a rock album, then this one will satisfy you. Kudos to Zimmer for an excellent job doing the music, I just wish the two incredibly long tracks were broken down into shorter ones."